SAN JOSE – As the Seattle Seahawks prepare to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, long snapper Chris Stoll is reflecting on a childhood dream that took an unexpected turn. While his early ambition centered on a career in the National Hockey League, specifically with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Stoll now finds himself on the cusp of winning the biggest prize in American football.
The improbable journey of the 27-year-old Stoll, signed by the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2023, highlights the diverse paths athletes take to reach the pinnacle of professional sports. His story is a testament to adaptability and the unexpected opportunities that can arise when pursuing one passion leads to discovering another.
“I was always heavily into hockey, even while following football,” Stoll said during a recent interview at the team hotel in San Jose. “I didn’t start playing football until high school. I’m convinced that playing hockey beforehand made me a better athlete.”
Stoll believes the demands of hockey – requiring agility, strength, and coordination on skates – provided a unique athletic foundation. “I’m biased because I love hockey, but I think hockey players are the best athletes. They’re asked to do everything a football, soccer, or basketball player does, but on skates. They’re really the ultimate athletes,” he explained.
A formative experience in Stoll’s hockey career was his participation in the prestigious Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament in 2011, at the age of 13, representing the Columbus Blue Jackets’ youth program. Though his team didn’t achieve victory, the experience left a lasting impression.
“I’ll never forget it! Unfortunately, we didn’t win any games in Quebec. The Canadian teams are very strong, and the program in Columbus wasn’t what it is today. But I had a really good time,” Stoll recalled, remembering his time at the Colisée de Québec.
Beyond the competition, Stoll fondly remembers the cultural immersion. “It was big and quite different from any of the arenas in Columbus. I stayed with a host family, and we played hockey for hours outdoors on a skating rink. I thought that was so cool. We also had a good time at a water park that was converted into ice slides for the winter,” he said, his eyes lighting up as he described his experience at Village Vacances Valcartier.
Stoll’s transition to football came in high school, where he initially played quarterback. However, his athletic abilities and precision led him to a specialized role as a long snapper – a position crucial for successful punts, field goals, and extra points. He honed his skills at St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, Ohio, earning recognition as a two-time Prokicker.com All-American long snapper.
He continued to develop his skills at Penn State University, where he spent six years with the Nittany Lions, eventually earning a scholarship and being named a team captain in 2022. He was also a watchlist nominee for the Patrick Mannelly Award, recognizing the nation’s top long snapper.
Now, Stoll finds himself preparing for the Super Bowl, a position he describes as both humbling, and surreal. “I’m so blessed to be here at the Super Bowl. We try to tell ourselves it’s just a normal game, but it’s pretty special,” he said.
The Seahawks’ appearance in Super Bowl LX marks their fourth trip to the championship game. They previously won Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos in 2014 but lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX in 2015. This year’s matchup against the Patriots represents a chance for redemption and a second Super Bowl title for the Seattle franchise.
Seattle is led by quarterback Sam Darnold, who will become the third quarterback to start a Super Bowl while playing for his fifth team or more. Darnold signed a three-year, $100 million deal with Seattle this season, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to lead two different teams to 14 wins in consecutive seasons.
While the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the quarterbacks and star offensive players, Stoll’s role as the long snapper is essential to the Seahawks’ success. His precision and consistency will be critical in ensuring smooth special teams plays, potentially influencing the outcome of the game.
From dreaming of NHL glory to preparing for the Super Bowl, Chris Stoll’s journey is a compelling example of how unexpected paths can lead to extraordinary achievements. His story serves as a reminder that passion, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new challenges can open doors to opportunities beyond imagination.
